SKOWHEGAN, Maine — One of America's biggest athletic brands is making a major investment in rural Maine.

New Balance has officially unveiled a $65 million expansion to its Central Maine Athletic Footwear facility in Skowhegan, increasing its production capacity and bringing in new manufacturing technology.

The expansion adds 120,000 square feet of new space and will house workers from the company’s recently closed plant in Norridgewock.

For employees like Eddie Cabassa, who lives in Skowhegan and works on shoes like the New Balance Classic 1300, the project is more than just a workplace upgrade.

"I love shoes. This is like a passion for me. It's like a kid in a candy store," Cabassa said.

Cabassa is one of about 400 Mainers currently employed at the site, where new manufacturing equi

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